Whitney Rydbeck, a distinguished actor acclaimed for his roles in “Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives” and as “Larry,” the crash test dummy in public service announcements, died at the age of 79. Rydbeck passed away due to complications from prostate cancer on July 15, 2024, while in hospice care in Chatsworth, California.
The news of Rydbeck’s death was confirmed by Tommy McLoughlin, the director of the sixth installment of the “Friday the 13th” series. McLoughlin paid a heartfelt tribute to Rydbeck on Instagram, stating, “We lost not only a truly funny comedian and actor … but one of the most good-hearted human beings I’ve ever known.”
Rydbeck was born on March 13, 1945, in Los Angeles, California. He attended Pasadena High School and Pasadena City College, following which he pursued further education at Cal State Fullerton. Rydbeck initially focused on theater studies and worked as a mime before stepping into acting.
His acting career started in 1970 with an episode of “Nanny and the Professor.” Over the next ten years, he featured in renowned shows like “The Brady Bunch,” “M*A*S*H,” and “Monster Squad.”
In the 1986 horror film “Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives,” Rydbeck played the character of Roy, a paintball soldier who falls victim to Jason Voorhees. He also earned fame for his portrayal of a crash test dummy named “Larry” in 1980s seat belt safety public service announcements. Through mock car accidents, these PSAs demonstrating the severe outcomes of not wearing seat belts significantly influenced public awareness. One of Rydbeck’s original PSA outfits is in the Smithsonian.
Rydbeck continued to feature in various shows and films throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including “7th Heaven,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” and “Murder, She Wrote.” He retired from acting after his role in the 2007 short film “The Oates’ Valor” and reportedly taught drama at Pasadena City College in his subsequent years.
Rydbeck’s performance as Roy in “Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives” is marked as one of his most notable roles. His unique blend of humor and horror in the character resonated with audiences.
Rydbeck’s career also saw memorable guest appearances in a range of television series. He made appearances in popular shows like “Scrubs,” “3rd Rock from the Sun,” and “Living Single.”
The passing of Whitney Rydbeck marks an end to an exceptional career. However, his legacy will persist through the numerous lives he influenced, both on-screen and off-screen. His skill in character portrayal, dedication to significant causes, and commitment to teaching made him a cherished figure in the entertainment industry and beyond.
Rydbeck is survived by his long-time partner, Claire.
